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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Ankeny, IA

How much does a nuclear engineer make in Ankeny? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ankeny's cost of living.

Median Salary
$108,287
per year in Ankeny
Entry Level
$66,175
Starting salary
Senior Level
$150,398
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how nuclear engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Ankeny.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,175$108,287$150,398
Monthly$5,515$9,024$12,533
Biweekly$2,545$4,165$5,785
Weekly$1,273$2,082$2,892
Hourly$32$52$72

Ankeny vs National Average

How Ankeny's nuclear engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Ankeny Salary
$108,287
COL Index: 92
National Average
$143,540
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$35,253
Lower in Ankeny

Cost of Living in Ankeny

1-Bedroom Rent
$880
per month
Median Income
$72,234
per year
Population
67,790
residents
Rent % of Income
14.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ankeny have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Nuclear Engineer

Overview

Design and develop nuclear power and weapons systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering

Key Skills

Nuclear SystemsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRegulatory Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Nuclear Engineer Salary

See Nuclear Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$335,525
+210%
Los Angeles, CA
$304,994
+182%
Chicago, IL
$130,160
+20%
Houston, TX
$134,999
+25%
Phoenix, AZ
$143,181
+32%

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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Ankeny, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a nuclear engineer in Ankeny, IA is $108,287 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ankeny's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level nuclear engineer professionals in Ankeny can expect to earn around $66,175 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level nuclear engineers earning approximately $150,398 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ankeny's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ankeny are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $143,540, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a nuclear engineer's salary in Ankeny typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $880 per month, housing represents about 9.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Nuclear Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Ankeny, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.